Description
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of tender spiral pasta, savory rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, cheddar cheese, and a creamy homemade ranch dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal!
Ingredients
Spiral Pasta:
- 12 ounces spiral pasta (such as Wacky Pack Veggie Spiral Pack)
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad:
- 3 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 chopped tomato or a handful of cherry tomatoes, chopped in half
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced and cooked crispy
- 1 zucchini, shredded (about 2 cups)
Copycat Ranch Dressing:
- 1 packet Ranch Dressing mix
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- If using uncooked chicken:
- Cook bacon:
- Cook pasta:
- Combine ingredients:
- Chill:
Make Ranch dressing ahead by combining all the ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
Season chicken with salt & pepper, drizzle with olive oil, then bake at 350°F for 30-45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cut into cubes.
Cook bacon on medium-low heat until crisp.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Add chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, bacon, cheddar, and ranch dressing to the pasta. Mix well.
Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
